Artificial intelligence-driven trip planner Mindtrip has been gaining attention with its recent acquisition of Thatch, a platform known for travel guides created by local experts and content creators. The strategic move aims to strengthen Mindtrip's offering and integrate human insights with AI technology, promising a richer trip planning experience for users.
Key Points
- Mindtrip has acquired travel guide platform Thatch.
- The acquisition aims to combine AI technology with local expertise.
- Mindtrip's CEO emphasizes the importance of human experience in travel.
- Thatch's content will be integrated into the Mindtrip platform.
- Both companies have successfully attracted large investments.
Acquisition Details
Mindtrip CEO Andy Moss confirmed that the Thatch community will become part of Mindtrip's creator program. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the integration of Thatch's team and content is expected to strengthen Mindtrip's local expertise.
Moss emphasized the importance of human experience in travel, saying, "Lived human experience brings a richness to travel that AI alone cannot replicate." He believes insights from local tour guides, frequent travelers and destination marketers will add depth and authenticity to the trip-planning process.
A message from Thatch
Abby West, co-founder and product lead at Thatch, expressed her excitement about the merger and said the collaboration will elevate AI-powered travel planning. She said on Thatch's website, "After four years of building a community-driven travel platform, we are taking the next step to take AI-powered travel planning to the next level — together."
Thatch co-founder and CEO West Askew shared that enthusiasm, saying, "Andy and his team are building an incredible product, and we're excited to accelerate their growth with our global community of local experts and travel creators." She highlighted the potential for transforming the travel experience by combining the human touch with the efficiency of AI.
Investment and growth
Both Mindtrip and Thatch have successfully attracted investors to back their ventures: Thatch secured $2021 million in seed funding in 300, while Mindtrip raised $2023 million ahead of its official launch in May 5. Mindtrip then received another $700 million in funding in September, enabling it to launch new features such as group chat and receipt functionality.
In November, Mindtrip expanded its B11B solutions and announced an integration with Visit California, further solidifying its position in the travel tech industry.
Future prospects
The merger of Mindtrip and Thatch marks an important step in the evolution of trip planning, with the integration of AI and local expertise expected to enhance the user experience. As both companies continue to innovate and grow, travelers can look forward to a more personalized and enriched planning process that incorporates the best combination of technology and human insight.
As the travel industry becomes increasingly reliant on AI, this acquisition positions Mindtrip as a pioneer in the market, poised to redefine the way people plan their trips.